Feed back needed on small sewing machine
 

I am looking at a small sewing machine to take to classes and something that I can carry more easily. It is a Janome DC 1050. My LQS has one and I am wondering if anyone has this particular machine and likes and dislikes that you may like to inform me on. It has features that I like and it is light weight. I haven't tried to sew on it but am thinking of trying it out in the store.
Thanking you all in advance for any info.

I googled "review of Janome DC 1050" and there are many posts. Perhaps they will help you. Good luck!

Thank you Kitsie-I will go and check that review link

I have a very old Janome Jem Gold. It's wonderful, no problems at all. I think any of the smaller Janomes will be a great machine.

If you can get ahold of a featherweight, they make great take along machines and are not heavy but sturdy.

I have a Baby Lock Rachel that I take to classes. It was under $400 and nice and light. I love it.

There are a lot of decent little class machines. When I was looking for one - budget was an issue so I first purchased a Brother cs6000i - nice little machine, good stitches and lightweight. Then I bought a featherweight on a lark. I love it!! I take it to every class, take it on retreats and take it to sewing days at the guild. The Brother sits patiently under the longarm and the feather weight goes everywhere.

I have the littlest Babylock machine, The Audrey, and it is a great traveler. Only weighs 6 lbs.

Several of the ladies at the senior center have opted to get the lighter machines to take to class. These machines all have plastic gears and even though they sew nicely at first, it seems that over time their stitches don't stay really true. One example I can think of at the top of my head, is that the straight stitch started stitching at an angle. If you think of a model (woman) who walks heel to toe and liken this to a normal straight stitch, then think of an ordinary woman (non-model) who walks with uneven steps, this would be how the stitches would look on the smaller, cheaper machines. I don't know quite how to explain it any better. It did not seem to bother most of the owners, but it would drive me crazy. The other thing I noticed was that the tension seemed to go screwy more often than on a regular machine.

Please understand, I am not knocking all of the smaller machines, I am just drawing attention to the things that I have noticed and the complaints that I have heard and am suggesting that you check the reviews carefully.

If you are lucky enough to find a featherweight, it is still my go to machine to sew on and it is lighter than most machines, dependable and they rarely have any high-cost repair bills.

The Babylocks don't have plastic gears, even the cheaper ones.

That is good to know. Thanks.

I agree with you on the Janome Jem Gold, which I think is a model 600, but think the Platinum would be great because of the needle up - down feature, which the Gold does not have. I was on the lookout for those machines until I stumbled across my first Singer Slant 301. My first encounter with the Jem Gold was with the county 4-H. Just remember to clean often to remove lint from the bobbin area, especially under the Race. There are other desirable Janome models in model numbers higher than the 700s, but I cannot remember numbers. I bought one and was given one, both of which I cleaned, lubed, and passed on to people who needed them. One of those machines, I paid about 30 dollars for, the largest expense driving to the city and back to pick it up at at the Goodwill.com online pickup store in Tacoma, WA.

I have a Janome Gem … perfect for classes and to take to sewing parties!

I have a Janome DC 1050 but haven't used it for over 2 years when I upgraded. I liked it for a beginner machine and it's certainly light enough to take to class. It was decent, and sold me on Janome, but I don't know that I'd recommend it above others. I think the Jem has more happy users. Or the featherweight if all you want it for is portabliltiy and piecing.

If I were looking for a lightweight portable machine, I'd try very hard to find a Singer 301. I have several of them and just love this model. It is a slant stitch, straight stitch only machine but very dependable & simple to use & clean. Both of my mostly nonsewing daughters can use them without too much guidance from me. My $.02 worth of advice.

I have this machine, it is just OK. I do now have the wonky stitches that mac mentions and seems I'm always messing with it. I replaced an old Brother machine, really wish I had bought another Brother. I would never buy it again.

I have a 301A that was my main machine until I could afford to purchase another machine. It is only 6 pounds heavier than the Featherweight, but I like its footprint and stability better. I also have a vintage New Home that is slightly heavier than the 301A. It is always in my van, ready to sew. I have purchased two new machines, a Singer, which I immediately sold, and a Janome, which resides in a corner of my sewing room. My preferred machine is a Viking 6430, which is very happy residing in my sewing room and is used daily. It weighs a huge 34 pounds and only travels with me three times a year for specific sewing sessions. You absolutely cannot go wrong with a 301 or 301A.

I was walking through an upstairs area of a thrift store and from across the room saw the profile of a 301 slant. It had been there a while and no takers. I immediately loaded it into my cart, but had to haul it downstairs by hand. Same store, same area, I found the second one in a regular cabinet.

I have sewn many baby gowns and a few donation quilt tops on it. For the baby gowns, there were small, narrow fabric ties that the 301 handled with ease. I found a canvas bag that looked like a briefcase shape, and it works perfectly for carrying the 301. The rolling sewing machine case I bought, ends up packed with my clothing and toiletries when I go to sewing retreats.
Chris, I would say that your $.02 worth of advice is golden.

I bought the janome jw8100 for my grandson to use. Lightweight needle updown no need for pedal good lighting many different stitches n only cost $270 free shipping

I have the Janome 3160 -- I upgraded from the Gem Platinum because it had features like my Janome 7700. Don't think the 3160 is made any more but I like the 12 pound weight and its solid feel.

I would buy anything but a plastic Janome. Long story. BUT I'll never buy another Janome of any kind.

Thank you everyone for your honest opinion and feedback on the Janome DC1050. I am rethinking of purchasing one and going to look into the Babylock "Audrey" as it has all medal gears and that is important to me. Now I am somewhat confused on what I want but I sure do appreciate you all giving me your advice.

Have the Janome jem platinum 760. Love it. 12 lbs.

I just bought as a gift for a teenage girl the Babylock BL9. For $100 it is a really nice machine. If I didn't have a stable already I would have one of those.